From Town Criers to Bloggers: How Will Journalism Survive the Internet Age? #544505-01005

From Town Criers to Bloggers: How Will Journalism Survive the Internet Age? #544505-01005

June 9, 2010 4:27am

Submission Number:

544505-01005

Commenter:

Kerwin Dunsmore

State:

Colorado

Initiative Name:

From Town Criers to Bloggers: How Will Journalism Survive the Internet Age?

The prospect of government involvement in a free press, even to "save" it, is frightening to most Americans. It certainly is to me. It is clear from the constitution that the "fourth estate" has a clear role to play in our republic. It cannot do so without independence from any government. Newspapers and some magazines are being challenged by the Internet as well as television. While this has had a polarizing effect on the public as well as the broadcast and print media, the silencing or amplification of any independent voice is a matter for the market, not for the government. Publishers are free to demand subscriptions for their content. The market will adapt quickly to the development. I urge the Commission to stay well clear of taking sides in the publishing market. Faithfully, Kerwin Dunsmore